LORNOXICAM AND FRANKINCENSE OIL TRANSDERMAL GEL: A POTENTIAL FORMULATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is usually accompanied by pain. The pathogenesis of pain involves not only nociception i.e. the aspect related to sensation of pain but also the emotional aspect involving the pain related fear and stress. Lornoxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug of oxicam class. Frankincense oil, used commonly in aromatherapy, has been known to have calming and grounding effect on emotions. The aim of this study was to provide a formulation for topical application which has a potential as an effective alternative for better management of inflammation. Gel formulation of lornoxicam, 0.5%w/w, was optimized. Lornoxicam gel formulation containing frankincense oil was prepared. The effect of addition of frankincense oil on physical properties of the gel and drug permeation was studied. Anti-inflammatory activity of the developed lornoxicam gel containing frankincense oil was demonstrated. The in-vitro diffusion studies showed a higher and faster release of lornoxicam from the gel containing frankincense oil than that from the gel without frankincense oil.  The flux obtained for lornoxicam in ex-vivo permeation studies was higher for the formulation containing frankincense oil (17.47µg/cm²/hr) than that for the formulation without frankincense oil (6.7 µg/cm² /hr). The enhancement ratio calculated was 3.8. Lornoxicam gel containing frankincense oil showed significantly higher inhibition of edema than the gel without frankincense oil and the marketed preparation in in-vivo study. Frankincense oil exhibited enhanced permeation of lornoxicam from gel formulation. The study indicates that transdermal gel containing lornoxicam and frankincense oil has a potential as an effective medication for management of inflammation.